How To Select The Right Wadding?

Even though you may not see it once you finished your quilt, wadding is extremely important nonetheless. Not only does it give your quilt its desired shape, it also determines its overall comfort when it is being used. So, how do you choose the best wadding for the project you have in mind? Read on to find out!

What Is Wadding?

Wadding is the middle layer of the quilt, which is placed between the top and the back of your quilt. The function of wadding is to provide softness and some additional warmth, but it also influences how your quilt looks when it is finished. Therefore, its importance cannot be underestimated.

Even though wadding can be made through a variety of production methods these days, the most common method is still the so-called needle-punching process. The process is quite similar to that of felting, with the exception that the fibres are punched through a special type of netting. As it passes through the netting, the material holds it shape as the fibres get tangled together.

Some manufacturers can use glue to keep their wadding in place. It can also go through a special heating process that causes the fibres to stick together. Evidently, this can have an influence on the overall feel of the material. Most people prefer the needle-punched wadding, this since wadding produced with other methods can feel rather crunchy.

What Factors Do I Need To Consider When I Choose Wadding?

Now that you are familiar with the production process for wadding, we need to take a closer look at the various factors that you need to look at during your selection. Some may be more important than others, but the best wadding is always obtained when you look at all these factors in the same manner.

The loft of the wadding - Loft is a term that is used by wadding manufacturers to refer to the weight and the thickness of the material. A low number usually indicates a thinner and more lightweight wadding, while higher numbers indicate a thicker and warmer version.

Budget - Your budget can determine the type of material you obtain, but you should always incorporate your needs for your quilting project. However, if budget is the most important factor in your search, then a polyester wadding is most likely to meet your budget requirements.

Warmth - If your quilt will be used for warmth, then you should take a closer look at the wadding material. Even though polyester does provide adequate warmth, wool wadding tends to be the best option where warmth provision is concerned.

Colour - For some projects, the colour of the wadding can be extremely important. If you have a quilt that is really light or really dark, you do not want the wadding to become visible through your fabric. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a colour that is close to the fabric colour of your quilt.

Convenience - Some types of wadding can be difficult to implement, so always have a look at how convenient certain materials are. If you do not mind spending a bit of extra time on the stuffing process, then convenience might be less important.

What Are The Different Types Of Wadding Available?

Various materials are used for wadding and they each have a primary benefit. To learn more, please check out the overview below.

Cotton wadding - If you are quilting by sewing machine, then this is the type of wadding you need. As cotton works perfectly with quilting fabric, you will have little problem putting this wadding into place with your sewing machine.

Polyester wadding - For those who prefer to make their quilt by hand, we recommend a polyester wadding instead. It is cheaper than cotton and tends to hold its overall shape remarkably well. It is also easier to implement during manual quilting than cotton.

Wool wadding - Wadding made from wool is suitable for machine as well as hand quilting, but it can be more expensive than the other options mentioned here today. Wool can also be more difficult to maintain, as it is less resistant to washing in your washing machine. Still, if you are making a decorative quilt, wool wadding could be the best option where looks are concerned.